Plane Crashes In Everglades

The park received a report of a plane crash about a mile and a half north of the East Everglades Ranger Station around 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 6th. Park staff responded along with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel. The plane, based out of the Tamiami airport, was on a training flight with a student pilot and instructor on board when it evidently suffered engine failure. Neither was injured in the crash. They were airlifted back to the airport by a Miami-Dade air rescue helicopter. Park staff secured the scene, located a debris trail, and contained an oil leak. Resource damage appears to be minimal. The FAA and NTSB are investigating along with the NPS. Ranger Rick Roberts is leading the investigation.